Track Cycling SA is a high-performance cycling club that focuses on youth development. Learn to race is a new initiative to help riders to progress from recreational cyclists to competent racers. Events are focused on u15 and older.
This is done through Track Cycling SA club training rides that cover:
Road cycling
Time trails
Hill climbs
Criteriums
Track cycling
TT
Flying 200m
Pursuit
Bunch race simulations
The training rides are led by an UCI and TrainingPeaks certified coach with The Guardian clearance and a first aid level 2 qualification.
Interview with Protea road and track cyclist, Carl Bonthuys
Mastering the Ride: Training and Preparation for Major Cycling Events
Introduction: In the world of competitive cycling, preparation is key. Carl Bonthuys, a seasoned South African cyclist, shares his journey from fun rides to representing his country on the international stage. His story is a testament to the dedication and strategic planning required to excel in major cycling events.
The Early Days: Carl’s cycling journey began in 2007 when he first experienced the thrill of track cycling. His initial foray into the sport was marked by a steep learning curve, transitioning from road cycling to the unique demands of track racing. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his future successes.
Training Regimen: Training for major events like the SA Omnium Champs involves a meticulous regimen. Carl emphasizes the importance of speed and power training, especially as the competition date approaches. His preparation is not just about physical conditioning but also about understanding the nuances of different tracks, whether indoor or outdoor, and adjusting strategies accordingly.
The Role of Track Cycling: Track cycling has played a pivotal role in enhancing Carl’s road cycling skills. The discipline required for track events, such as sprinting and maintaining high speeds, translates into improved performance on the road. This cross-discipline training is a crucial element of his preparation strategy.
Advice for Aspiring Cyclists: For young cyclists dreaming of donning the green and gold, Carl advises understanding the selection criteria for major events and focusing on achieving the right results at the right time. He highlights the importance of perseverance, as seen in his own journey of narrowly missing podiums before finally clinching a national title.
Conclusion: Carl Bonthuys’ story is one of resilience and strategic preparation. His insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring cyclists aiming to compete at the highest levels. As he continues to train for upcoming events like the Commonwealth Games, his journey inspires others to pursue their cycling dreams with determination and passion.
The library is modular – here are a few options to assist with optimal selection:
Event is 4 weeks from now and you need to keep up with surges:
Select the Vo2 and power program
Event is 8 weeks out and you are just coming out of winter:
4-week aerobic program with the 4-week Vo2 and power program added om top
Event is 12 weeks out and you need fitness, power and speed:
4-week Aerobic program, add the 4-week Vo2 and power program on top, finish it off with the 4-week speed program to smash the sprints
Event 16 weeks from now: 4 weeks Vo2 and power program, 4 weeks aerobic fitness program, repeat Vo2 and power program. Lastly, add the speed program on top to be ready for the bunch sprint.
Programs are suitable for track, road and XCO. All purchased programs can be tweaked to fit individual needs by contacting: jaco@trackcyclingsa.co.za
Extract from our candid interview with Protea cyclist, Kerry Jonker.
Tune in for the full interview with Protea Cyclist, Kerry Jonker:
Life lessons summarized from the interview with Kerry:
Pursue Opportunities Early and enjoy the journey: Kerry emphasized the importance for young cyclists to enjoy the sport. She encouraged young athletes to slow down, enjoy the process, and not rush into professional sports without considering other life goals and education.
Balance and Efficiency: She advised against overtraining and highlighted the importance of efficient training, suggesting that quality often trumps quantity.
Resilience and Adaptability: Kerry shared her experience of overcoming setbacks, such as injuries, and stressed the importance of following proper medical advice and planning a proper progression for recovery.
Value of Sport Beyond Competition: Kerry highlighted how sport builds confidence, discipline, and attention to detail, which are valuable life skills beyond just achieving accolades.
Community and Support: She stressed the importance of having a supportive network and listening to advice from trusted individuals like coaches and family.
Inclusivity and Challenge: Kerry encouraged young girls not to be intimidated by male-dominated sports and to see training with boys as a challenge that can make them stronger.
These insights reflect her thoughtful approach to both her career and personal development.
We had an insightful chat with the Voice of the Bellville velodrome, Coen Pretorius. We asked him about his journey from novice road cyclist to national track champion. We talked about his role as MC and touch on schools MTB and track cycling.
School MTB and track cycling – Is there opportunity to connect?
Amongst our discussions it became clear that school mountain biking (MTB) and track cycling can indeed complement each other. Here’s how they can work together to enhance a cyclist’s skills:
Power and Start Techniques:Â Track cycling, with its focus on explosive power and quick starts, can significantly improve a mountain biker’s ability to launch effectively at the beginning of a race. As mentioned in the transcript, riders like Bianca Herbst have shown improved starts in MTB events after training on the track.
Endurance and Stamina: While track cycling emphasizes short bursts of speed, it also builds overall endurance, which is beneficial for the longer, more sustained efforts required in mountain biking.
Technical Skills: The precision and bike handling skills developed on the track can translate to better control and maneuverability on the varied terrains of mountain biking.
Mental Toughness: Both disciplines require a high level of mental focus and resilience. The strategic thinking and quick decision-making in track cycling can enhance a rider’s ability to navigate the challenges of MTB courses.
Cross-Training Benefits: Engaging in both sports allows young athletes to develop a well-rounded skill set, reducing the risk of burnout and overuse injuries by varying their training routines.
By participating in both school MTB and track cycling, young riders can enjoy a more comprehensive development of their cycling abilities, benefiting from the unique strengths each discipline offers.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s northern suburbs, the Bellville Velodrome stands as a monument to the pursuit of speed, precision, and athletic excellence. Renowned throughout South Africa and beyond, this world-class indoor cycling facility has, for decades, provided a stage for cycling enthusiasts, amateur riders, and elite athletes to test their mettle, break records, and chase dreams. The Bellville Velodrome is not just a venue—it is an ecosystem designed to nurture talent, foster community, and propel the sport of cycling forward into a new era of innovation and achievement.
A Purpose-Built Arena for ChampionsÂ
At the core of Bellville Velodrome’s appeal is its meticulously engineered track, designed to the highest international standards. The smooth, concrete surface delivers the perfect balance between speed and thrill, allowing cyclists to push their physical and mental boundaries with confidence. The velodrome offers year-round protection from the elements, ensuring that training and competitions can proceed uninterrupted—rain or shine.
The velodrome’s dimensions meet stringent specifications, making it the ideal venue for a wide range of cycling events, from local club races to prestigious international tournaments. Whether you are a sprinter honing your explosive acceleration or an endurance rider building stamina, the Bellville Velodrome provides the optimal environment for high-performance cycling.
Events That InspireÂ
One of the Bellville Velodrome’s hallmarks is its vibrant calendar of competitive and community events. The velodrome regularly hosts national championships, track cycling classics, leagues, and grassroots development programs. These gatherings not only elevate the standards of competition but also foster a sense of camaraderie among cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Spectators, too, are drawn to the adrenaline-charged atmosphere that fills the stands during major events. The seating arrangement guarantees excellent sightlines of the entire track, immersing fans in the action and encouraging the next generation of aspiring champions. The velodrome’s electrifying ambiance during race nights has become legendary, making it a must-visit destination for sports lovers and families alike.
Innovation and Athlete Development
The Bellville Velodrome is more than a venue—it is a catalyst for athletic transformation. By embracing technology and collaborative coaching, the facility stays at the forefront of global cycling trends. Performance monitoring tools, such as power meters and telemetry, are integrated into training regimes, enabling riders to fine-tune their techniques and pursue marginal gains that make all the difference at the elite level. The South African national team annually attends a training camp at the velodrome in December. Several international teams have attended January training blocks at the facility. These include France, Germany, Great Britain and more.
Youth development is a core priority. The velodrome runs robust training clinics, talent identification programs, and school outreach initiatives to ensure the pipeline of South African cycling talent remains strong. Experienced coaches and former champions mentor emerging riders, sharing wisdom, experience, and a passion for the sport that echoes through every lap.
A Destination Beyond Cycling
While cycling is at the heart of the Bellville Velodrome, its appeal extends beyond the realm of two wheels. The versatile arena is equipped to host a variety of indoor sports, concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings. This adaptability cements its status as a cornerstone of the local sporting and cultural landscape, drawing diverse audiences and fostering a spirit of inclusion.
The facility is easily accessible, with ample parking and convenient connections to major transport routes, making it an ideal choice for regional, national, and international events. Its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and leisure attractions further enhances the visitor experience, ensuring that time spent at the velodrome is both productive and enjoyable.
Testimonials From the Community
The Bellville Velodrome has garnered praise from athletes, coaches, and visitors alike.
“Here the support for cycling is heaven on earth.”
“I tried out track once on a loan bike. The coaching and professional assistance got me instantly hooked. I bought a track bike 2 or 3 weeks later and will never part with it.”
Such testimonials underscore the velodrome’s reputation as a nurturing ground for personal and professional growth, where every visitor—athlete or fan—is welcomed as part of a larger cycling family.
Why Choose Bellville Velodrome?
For athletes seeking the pinnacle of indoor cycling facilities, the Bellville Velodrome offers an unbeatable combination of technical sophistication, expert support, and a thriving community. Its commitment to excellence is reflected not just in the quality of the track, but in the holistic approach to athlete development and the promotion of cycling as a lifelong passion.
By choosing Bellville, cyclists gain access to a facility that has produced champions, hosted unforgettable events, and inspired countless individuals to pursue their own limits. It is a place where dreams are forged, records are broken, and the spirit of cycling is celebrated every day.
Conclusion
In a world where athletic performance is continually being redefined, the Bellville Velodrome stands tall as a beacon of possibility. It invites cyclists, coaches, and fans from all walks of life to join a tradition of excellence and innovation. As the premier high-performance indoor cycling facility in the region, it promises not only the best in sporting infrastructure but also an inspiring journey for anyone with a passion for speed, strategy, and self-improvement.
Experience the thrill, embrace the challenge, and become part of the legacy—at the Bellville Velodrome, where every lap tells a story and every rider has the chance to become a champion.
Today we hosted the Chalk-Air women’s team at the Bellville velodrome. 6 women from the team joined us for a “Try out track” session. It was the first time ever on a track bike for four of the riders.
The session started with learning to start and to stop. We then proceeded with a game of “follow the leader” where the instructors from the Bellville velodrome track community guided the riders to get used to riding faster and slower.
This was followed by each instructor taking a rider around the track for 4 laps.
Everyone was now ready for more and a 10 minute warm-up followed. This was then followed by 2 x half lap all out sprints to activate the legs.
We finished the session with 2 groups of 3 riding paceline and changing in the bends on every lap.
All of the riders finished the day with big smiles and are looking forward to structured training at Bellville velodrome.
Track Cycling SA club provides structure for riders from other disciplines to experience the joy of track cycling. Here is why we recommend considering track cycling.
Beginner sessions – Track Cycling SA club helps new riders to get started in a supporting environment.
Access to bikes – New riders start on the club’s bikes. There is no barrier to entry.
Structured training – We have free training sessions at the velodrome.
Fun and excitement – Riding on the banked walls is exhilarating. The atmosphere is lively. There is a huge sense of achievement.
Camaraderie and community – Track cycling involves training and racing with others, which can create strong bonds and a sense of community.
Improved skills – Better bike handling skills and race craft.
Safe environment- No cars, no pedestrians, no wind, no rain, and no dark. First Aid level 2 and Guardian approved club staff. Structured training.
Track Cycling SA club offers free track intro sessions at Bellville velodrome. Bikes and coaching are provided. Our next one is a Women’s track day on Sunday, 19 Jan. Pre-bookings close on Tuesday, 14 Jan.
The Paarl Boxing day sports was first held in 1898 at the Faure st stadium in Paarl. This year this prestigious event saw more than 100 riders from under 11 to veterans compete.
Track Cycling SA club had a strong scholars contigent at meeting.
The women’s events saw racing between Anya du Plessis (elite) and the 3 juniors that are going to Appeldoorn (Ned) in January. They are Mianette Theron, Hannie Vreken and Nikalau Volsteedt. The under 17 rider, Catelina Rose Lamers, rode up to the junior category. Anya put in a dominant performance and showed why she is a Protea track cyclist. She won all 3 of her races convincingly.
Nikalau Volsteedt warming up
The junior men saw a strong field with Matt Sym, Gustav Roller, Zaine Salzwedel, Morgan Jones and Sparkle Schultz competing for top honors.
The elimination race podium. L to r: Gustav Basson, Josh Dike and Ethan Kulsen
However the top rider of the day was the Gauteng rider, Josh Dike. He won both the points race and the elimination race.
Top rider of the day, Josh Dike.
The highlight of the day was the 25-mile race. 34 riders started and the race was run at a blistering pace from the gun when Matthew Sym attacked. Josh Dike then later took a lap on his own, but Gustav Basson gave chase and also took a lap on his own. Dike attacked again just before Basson caught the bunch. He took Gustav Roller and Daniyal Matthews with. The trio took a lap, but at that stage Gustav Basson was also on his way to take a 2nd lap with Sparkle Schultz and Zaine Salzwedel in tow. Salzwedel dropped off back to the main bunch, but Schultz took the lap with Basson. Dike was not taking chances with in a sprint and gained half a lap before Basson and Schultz bridged. He took a solo ride to a dominant victory.
Sparkles Schultz (left) was the first junior in the 25-mile and 4th overall
The 25-mile podium l to r: Gustav Basson, Josh Dike and Daniyal Matthews.
SA Omnium Champs incoming…
WP Track League wrapped—overview, highlights, and standout performances
SA Omnium Champs on 11 Oct—Westbourne velodrome is about to host something special
Catch the live video. Let’s keep building momentum.
